Good morning, North Carolina! Here's what you need to know today.

The three people arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a woman and her 11-month-old daughter in Garner now face federal charges, court records show.
Authorities dropped the kidnapping charges filed in Wake County Wednesday after the federal officials indicted the alleged kidnappers, according to court records.
The kidnapping happened late on April 28, police said. Officials said they arrested two people in connection with the case the next day. Investigators arrested a third person in the case May 2.

Your Weather Planner

There's a slight chance for rain Thursday morning and afternoon, with similar temperatures to what we saw Wednesday afternoon. Scattered storms will develop to the west Thursday, and some will survive the trip into central North Carolina in the afternoon and evening. Be prepared as some storms could be severe.

Much of central North Carolina west of Interstate 95 is under a marginal risk for severe weather. That level one out of five threat includes a potential for damaging winds and large hail. Some storms may not arrive until after sunset Thursday with showers and storms lingering through the evening. Additional showers and thunderstorms will be possible Friday with mostly dry weather over the weekend.

Get the full forecast of areas around the state:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


Watch the latest local news and get your Weather on the 1s.

Around North Carolina

1. Republican concedes long-unsettled North Carolina court election to Democratic incumbent

The Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat conceded last November's election to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs on Wednesday, two days after a federal judge ruled that potentially thousands of disputed ballots challenged by Jefferson Griffin must remain in the final tally.

2. N.C. election director ousted after Republican power play

The North Carolina State Board of Elections, with a new Republican majority, voted Wednesday to replace its executive director. Karen Brinson Bell, who has been in the role for six years and was widely praised in election circles, was replaced by Sam Hayes, the top lawyer for the Republican state House speaker.

3. Education officials report threatening messages linked to PowerSchool breach

North Carolina public school employees reported getting threatening emails in connection with a data breach first reported early this year. Staff at about 20 agencies received demands for payment in Bitcoin in exchange for data that was taken when the PowerSchool system was compromised.

Around The Nation

1. Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating conclave hasn't elected pope in first vote

2. Attorneys general sue Trump administration over EV charger funding

3. Federal Reserve leaves key rate unchanged as it sees risk of higher prices and higher unemployment

Editor's Pick - Gilded Age Antiques reopens after Helene causes major damage

For seven years Gilded Age Antiques has been a love for Olivia Daly. She walked inside and knew this is where she belonged. Just six months ago the showroom full of English majolica, designer handbags and other rare pieces looked different. It was full of mud and silt. There was 7 feet of water that left behind so much silt that she was able to touch the ceiling. Now, the other area of the building has been gutted but is not ready to be opened yet.